Expanding Our Potential
“What is necessary at this stage in our evolution is not a ‘return’ to the psychic powers of our ancestors, but an expansion of our own potential powers, based upon the certain knowledge that such powers exist.”
–Colin Wilson (English Novelist and Writer on Philosophy, Sociology and the Occult, 1931-)
“Alien Dawn: A Classic Investigation into the Contact Experience” (Colin Wilson)
The Highest Education
“The highest education is that which not merely gives us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”
–Rabindranath Tagore (Indian Poet, Playwright, Essayist, Painter and, in 1913, Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, 1861-1941)
Finding Your Inner Treasure
“When the green scum is taken away, immediately the water shines forth pure, taking away thirst and heat, straightway becoming a source of great joy to man.”
–Shankara (a.k.a. Adi Shankaracharya, Indian Sage, Spiritual Teacher and Author of the Crest-Jewel of Discrimination, Dates Uncertain, but c.A.D. 686-718 or 788-821)
The Interdependent Universe
“Everything depends upon everything else, and, in fact, IS everything else as well as itself.”
–Ernest E. Wood (English Theosophist, Yoga Practitioner, Translator, Author and Professor of Physics, Principal and President of the Sind National College and the Madanapalle College, India, 1883-1965)
Wisdom, Wind and Lightning
“The Chinese, who know more about wisdom than any other race, designate the wise by a combination of the ideographs for wind and lightning.”
–Hermann Keyserling (Estonian-born German Philosopher, 1880-1946)
Wisdom and Humility
“Genuine wisdom involves humility. The wiser we become, the greater the realization that there is so much more to learn and understand.”
–Emanuel Swedenborg (Swedish Scientist, Mystic and Philosopher, 1688-1772)
Detaching from Mistakes
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future.”
–Sri Swami Sivananda (Indian Physician and Spiritual Teacher, 1887-1963)
Masters and Messengers
“We must make a difference between the Messenger, who is sent to communicate a teaching through writing or speech, and the Master, who comes to embody the teaching and who alone possesses the power to bless others with his Grace.
This difference is not so clearly understood among the yogis as it is among the lamas and Sufis, a lack which leads to confused ideas and unjustified customs.”
–Paul Brunton (a.k.a. Raphael Hurst, English Philosopher, Traveler, Spiritual Teacher and Author, 1898-1981)
Harmony
Earlier today I was talking to someone who has lived her life constantly concerned about the opinions of other people, and she is now getting badly burned by it.
I was remembering this ancient quotation. I hope that you find it as true and inspiring as she did:
“Don’t be concerned with other people’s impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances, be on your guard against a false sense of self-importance. Keeping your will in harmony with truth and concerning yourself with what is beyond your control are mutually exclusive.”
–Epictetus (Phrygian-born Greek Stoic Philosopher, c.A.D.55- c.A.D.135)
Dynamic Spirituality
“Spirituality is living, it’s dynamic, you know, it’s every day. It’s now. We are engaged in a spiritual experience right now.”
–Wayne Teasdale (American Catholic Monk and Proponent of Interfaith Dialogue, 1945-2004)
